Responsibilities in Subletting Space in your Home

If you own your own home, then one of the ways that you can make a little extra money to help with the mortgage is to sublease one of your rooms. Subleasing a room is the practice of renting out a room without renting out the entire house. If you prefer not to have someone living in your house at the same time as you, then you can also consider subleasing your house for shorter periods of time. For example, if you're planning a month-long vacation, then you could sublease a room in your house during that period.

However, before you decide to sublease a room in your home, you should be fully aware of the risks involved in doing so as well as your responsibilities as the owner.

The Risks of Subleasing

There are several risks involved in subleasing a room in your home for a short period to somebody that you do not know personally. These risks include:

Damage to your home - Any damage that's done to your home by the subtenant could be offset by the deposit if you've required one. But even with a deposit, you could end up losing money if the damage is extensive.

Theft - Because the subtenant will be living inside of your house, there's always the risk that they could steal valuables from your home, especially if you are out of town.

Other temporary tenants - If you are subleasing a room because you are planning to be away for a period, then there's a risk that the subtenant may turn around and sublease other rooms in your home without your permission or simply allow others to live there free of charge.

A lack of payment - If a person has agreed to sublet a room and you don't require a deposit, they could skip out without paying for their last month.

While these are very serious risks, they can be avoided, especially if you do your due diligence. The following are a few tips that will help you mitigate these risks:

Require a security deposit that can be used towards any damages that are done. A deposit will help prevent the subtenant from leaving without paying their last month of rent as well.

Make sure you run a detailed background check on anyone that applies to sublease a room in your home. Ask for references from previous landlords.

Have someone you trust check up on your house while you're away to make sure everything is okay.

Take photographs and notes of the room to prove that it was in good condition before the subtenant moves in. This will allow you to have legal recourse if the room is trashed once the sublease ends.

The Responsibilities of Subleasing

Even though you are only subleasing your room for a short period, you still have the same responsibilities that a typical landlord has. These responsibilities include:

Having a contract - Even if you're just subleasing your room for a month, you need to have a contract drawn up to protect both you and the subtenant. The contract should include basic information, like the names and dates of birth of both parties, the length of the sublease and the amount to be paid in rent as well as any other agreements that were made. This contract must be signed by both parties.

Providing the subtenant with privacy - Just because it's your home doesn't mean you can just walk into the room your subtenant is staying in, whether they are there or away. You cannot enter without their permission unless you provide reasonable notice and it's to do repair work.

Respecting the subtenant's rights - Even if the subtenant is causing serious problems, you can't do anything to them that can be deemed harassment. This includes entering their room without permission, behaving in a way that's intimidating to them, insulting them or cutting off their utilities.

Providing a way to get in touch with you - Your subtenant needs to be able to get in touch with you even if you're out of the country. This way, they can report any problems with their room or your home if they arise - such as if there is a need for repairs.

Making all necessary repairs - You will be responsible for performing any repair work in a timely manner. Like a landlord, you are legally obligated to keep your property in a decent state of repair.

Following proper eviction protocol - If you want your subtenant to leave before their sublease is up, you can't just kick them out. You must follow proper eviction protocol.

Subleasing a room in your home can be a good way to make some money while you're away, just make sure you understand the risks and responsibilities.